Software Engineer - Simulation Platform

WHO WE ARE
Proxima Fusion is Europe’s fastest-growing fusion company and the continent’s best-funded fusion player, as well as the first spin-out from the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP). Backed by over €650M and powered by a growing team across Munich, Zurich, and Oxford, we are developing the hardware and infrastructure needed to deliver the world’s first commercial stellarator fusion power plant.
Our concept advances the most mature fusion technology out there, the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator, through two next-generation machines: Alpha and Stellaris. Our work combines stellarator optimization, advanced computation, machine learning, and high-temperature superconducting magnets to unlock higher-performance designs that were previously out of reach.
Turning these designs into a functioning fusion power plant requires excellence and ownership across every discipline, from physics and engineering to software, manufacturing, law, and business functions.
WHY JOIN PROXIMA FUSION
– You will get to work on some of the most complex tech challenges to bring abundant, safe, clean energy to the world
– You'll get to join and learn from an exceptional selection of accomplished and driven individuals
– Do your life’s best work and enjoy the journey
– Get to show that big things are possible in Europe when you assemble the best talent
YOUR IMPACT
– Shape the future of Proxima’s simulation platform: we design and develop the platform; stellarator researchers and engineers use it to mature the design of Alpha and Stellaris; you will imagine and build with us novel solutions for simulation tools that spark joy and reduce time-to-insight
– Accelerate Stellarator R&D, at the company at its forefront: we work side by side with researchers and engineers to ensure what we build immediately boosts the speed Proxima Fusion’s Stellarator design program
WHAT YOU WILL DO
You will join the Simulation Platform Team, a software platform team that balances development of core products with direct support to researchers, adapting to the Stellarator design program’s strategy and priorities. In your first six months you will e.g. add features to our in-house simulation pipeline automation system and ensure that AI agents can work with it efficiently.
– On the platform engineering side you will design, develop and maintain next-generation software solutions for stellarator simulation and design, targeted to human and agentic use; for example:

– Python libraries enabling automation of large-scale simulation workflows

– cloud-based data storage that keeps everyone in sync

– web applications that foster cross-domain collaboration and knowledge discovery

– integration of AI tools where they actually provide leverage
– You will also work together with our researchers to apply our tools to specific use cases, working as an internally-deployed Research Software Engineer: you will guide users to make the most of the available simulation tooling and proactively co-develop applications that unblock their R&D program, while gathering precious feedback and ideas for the next platform improvements
WHO YOU ARE
– We are looking for a software practitioner with a user-first mindset, interested in tackling a diverse mix of challenges: from the optimization of scientific computing workflows to building cloud- and web-based systems for data management, sharing and exploration
– Proficient in Python
– You enjoy staying up to date with current software development best practices and tools, e.g. agentic development or modern data pipelines and scheduling solutions
– You enjoy diving into new problems with a continuous learning attitude, absorbing relevant domain knowledge in a dynamic start-up environment; no fusion background needed, familiarity with scientific software use cases is a plus
– Familiarity with one or more of the following is desirable but not required: full-stack web development (React, TypeScript, FastAPI), Pydantic, JAX, cloud services and cloud-based applications; data management systems
– You don't need to tick every box. If this role excites you, please apply
INTERVIEW PROCESS
– Recruiter Interview (30-60 min)
– Technical Screening (30-45 min)
– Technical Panel (3x60 min)
– CEO call (30 min)
*This role sits at "L2" of our framework, please inquire during the recruitment process for further information.
At Proxima Fusion, our mission is bold: making limitless clean energy a reality. To get there, we need a high-performing, diverse team that brings different perspectives, challenges assumptions, and builds together with purpose. We know that diversity of thought and experience leads to better ideas, stronger execution, and a more resilient team. We don’t look at how you identify, what you look like, who you choose to worship or what ethnicity you are. We care about what you can bring to the table.